How We Work

We work primarily in under-resourced communities in Chicago and beyond, partnering with schools to build strong, youth-centered cultures rooted in restorative practices (RP) and social-emotional learning (SEL).

Our mission is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive—socially, emotionally, and academically—by equipping adults with the skills, tools, and support to lead that change.
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NewRoot uses a responsive, capacity-building approach designed to create lasting culture shifts in schools. Our three-part model includes:
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Needs
Assessment

We begin by capturing an honest picture of each school’s current culture through a baseline assessment that includes the voices of students, teachers, and administrators.

Skills
Development

We grow adult capacity through coaching and training. Our work focuses on school-based adults—those most responsible for setting the tone of the learning environment.

Resource
Integration

We provide curriculum, tools, and tailored support to embed restorative and SEL-informed practices schoolwide. We adjust based on real-time data and evolving needs to ensure sustainability.

Our Theory of Change

NewRoot’s theory of change is simple: when the adults in a school community have the skills and support to build strong, restorative relationships, students experience greater emotional safety, deeper connection, and improved outcomes.

By supporting educators, school leaders, coaches, and families, we create the conditions for:
‍

Reduced suspensions and instructional loss

Decreased school and community violence

Improved student attendance, mental health, and academic performance

Our work is grounded in the belief that adult growth drives student success. This idea sits at the heart of our mission and is echoed throughout our strategic vision.

Stronger school climates and adult-student relationships

Our Theory of Change

NewRoot’s theory of change is simple: when the adults in a school community have the skills and support to build strong, restorative relationships, students experience greater emotional safety, deeper connection, and improved outcomes.

By supporting educators, school leaders, coaches, and families, we create the conditions for:
‍

Reduced suspensions and
instructional loss

Decreased school and
community violence

Stronger school climates and adult-student relationships

Improved student attendance, mental health, and academic performance

Our work is grounded in the belief that adult growth drives student success. This idea sits at the heart of our mission and is echoed throughout our strategic vision.

Our approach is deeply rooted in research.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) equips both students and adults to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions.
‍
Restorative practices (RP) provide a framework to strengthen relationships and repair harm when it occurs.

According to research from the University of Chicago and national health agencies, schools that implement SEL and RP see:
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Higher student academic achievement and attendance

Lower rates of teacher burnout and turnover

Significant drops in violence, bullying, and school-based arrests

Increases in graduation rates and postsecondary readiness

In a moment when young people face compounding challenges—from rising gun violence to a youth mental health crisis—our work ensures that schools are not just safe, but healing. We meet this moment by investing in the people closest to students and empowering them to lead.

At one of NewRoot's Student Day of Action events, three high school students are seated with two adult volunteers, surrounding a vision board in a classroom.

Photo of NewRoot's high school students engaging with two adult volunteers at Student Day of Action .

We’re transforming school culture by growing adult capacity.

How We Work

Our Theory of Change

Our Theory of Change

Our approach is deeply rooted in research.